Maple Ridge

Water Activities

View of lake (Picture BC photo)

Maple Ridge and neighbouring Pitt Meadows are loaded with fun water activities for the whole family.

Whether it's boating, canoeing, kayaking, wakeboarding, or tubing, or fishing for salmon, trout or sturgeon there's a local lake, river, or water park that caters to the water sport in question. Alouette Lake and Pitt Lake are two popular lakes for water activities.

Alouette Lake

A great starting point for water activities is Alouette Lake, the mountain-encircled jewel in Golden Ears Provincial Park. A popular camping destination less than an hour east of Vancouver, Alouette Lake offers canoe, kayak, and pedal boat rentals during the high season (May to September). A four-lane cement surface boat launch awaits at the south end of the lake.

As an alternative, try wind-surfing or water-skiing. Fishing for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and cutthroat is also available at this 1,644ha/4,060ac lake.

Pitt Lake

At Pitt Lake, ply the waters of North America's largest tidal freshwater lake. Canoeists and kayakers alike appreciate checking out the pictographs that adorn the rock face at the southwest side of the lake, a vivid embodiment of the ancient Katzie First Nations culture. Don't miss the winding tranquillity of the adjoining Widgeon Creek. Boat tours can be arranged by local operators.

Boat all the way to the north end, and a long hike leads to the Pitt River Hot Springs: tiny, pristine, and waterfall-graced. Bird watching in the Pitt Lake area is an added bonus, with blue herons, bald eagles, and ospreys. For a luxurious fishing trip in wilderness serenity, book a stay at the Pitt River Lodge.

Wakeboarding

Ready to live out those ESPN X-Games fantasies? Hook up with Rider Watersports (12010 – 232nd St), which offers wakeboarding lessons on Alouette Lake. Skim across pristine waters at high speed, catching air and pulling tricks behind a high-powered Super Air 210 boat. Dry suits and wakeboards can be rented. Camps for kids, ladies-only outings, and charters for groups are also available.

Fishing

Maple Ridge provides ample opportunities for year-round fishing. Anglers flock to the local lakes and rivers to fish for all five species of salmon, as well as huge sturgeon (the largest freshwater fish in North America) and rainbow and cutthroat trout. The Fraser River, Harrison River and Pitt River are the best places to cast a line for salmon, while Alouette Lake and Rolley Lake are popular trout fishing locations. Sturgeon can be caught year-round on the Fraser River.

More Water Activities

Davidson's Pool (23700 – 128 Cres) is a popular old-school Maple Ridge swimming hole for families, with a picnic area, washrooms, and fishing. Go tubing from Upper Maple Ridge Park, floating down through the rapids into Davidson's Pool. Another local favourite is Hot Rocks on the Alouette River.

Enjoy indoor swimming at the modern, spacious Leisure Centre (11925 Haney Pl), which features a competition pool, a teaching pool, a waterslide, and other water activities and fitness facilities.

For more information on water activities around Maple Ridge, contact the Visitor Centre (12492 Harris Rd).